"Neolithic Symbolism at Ain Ghazal, Jordan" - Dr. Denise Schmandt-Besserat

The lecture presents the use of symbols at Ain Ghazal.

The Jordanian Neolithic site, dating about 7250-6000 BC, is particularly significant because it produced an exceptional array of symbols including anthropomorphic and animal figurines, floor paintings, tokens, and human plastered skulls.

Dr. Schmandt-Besserat will focus in particular upon the thirty-two large plaster figurines found in two separate caches. She will discuss their context, manufacture, style and the various interpretations concerning their function.